Brisbane Roar midfielder Riku Danzaki has been linked with a move to Scottish Premier League club Motherwell, but coach Warren Moon said the Japanese import would likely start against Wellington in Redcliffe.
The 22-year-old is on loan from J-League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and has been a fan favourite at the Roar since arriving to play in the A-League Men competition.
There have been media reports in the United Kingdom that Danzaki was a target for Motherwell.
"I heard about that yesterday but all I can say is that he will be playing tomorrow night," Roar coach Warren Moon said on Friday when asked about a potential move for Danzaki.
"He is a part of our squad and that is all I am focused on. He is a Brisbane Roar player."
Roar defender Jack Hingert, who will play his 250th A-League Men's match against the Phoenix, said he hoped Danzaki stayed on at the Roar.
"I have heard rumours as well and seen what has been put out there," he said.
"I don't know for sure if he has gone or not. I hope he stays because he is a great player and we have seen what he can do for us."
Hingert said he would "definitely" want to mark his 250th ALM game with a win. The Roar lost 2-1 away to Perth Glory on Tuesday night and are on 15 ALM points in fifth position. The Phoenix are one point behind in seventh.
"It is a big milestone game for me," Hingert said.
"I have got family coming up for it and I am really looking forward to it. It makes it that bit sweeter to get the win and that is the most important thing for us and for myself."
The 32-year-old has been at the Roar since 2011 after starting his ALM career at North Queensland Fury in 2009.
"It is about 14 years now that I have been in the League and I have been lucky enough to have some successful times.
"I still feel like a kid but obviously the body is getting older as well so I've got to stop acting like a kid and grow up a bit more now."
Moon said he imagined there would be "at least three changes" from the side that lost to Glory
The coach said he would need to freshen up the squad after a gruelling road trip.
He said the Phoenix would also pose a test.
"They are a genuine dark horse for the competition," he said.
